He was a revelation last year but Tom Liberatore has gone to another level over the summer. The 21-year-old, who was runner-up in the Dogs best and fairest and ranked No. 1 in the AFL in clearances in 2013, has improved his running and broken into the club’s elite group. His gut-running has impressed the Dogs hierarchy, enabling him in practice match situations to push forward and influence more contests. For those who like a long-term bet, don’t forget his dad won a Brownlow, he polled 14 votes last year and is currently $51 in early markets.

NEW BLOOD

Boom recruit Stewart Crameri has raised eyebrows with his running ability which should see him spend time in the midfield as well as forward, and the work of former GWS Giant Sam Darley has also impressed those in the know at the Whitten Oval. The rebounding defender, who turned 21 last week, is a very good user of the ball with his skills and decision-making drawing comparisons to Robert Murphy.

MEDICAL ROOM

Robert Murphy (elbow): Smashed his elbow at training last week. Has avoided surgery for the time being but will still miss 6-8 weeks.

Jarrad Grant (foot): Broke bone in foot in training mishap last month. Will miss start of the season.

Clay Smith (knee): Recovering well from knee reconstruction and on track to be a factor in early part of season.

THE TWIST

Don’t look away or rip the paper up in frustration Dogs fans but Tom Williams could be the man to transform this team. We use the word “could” as every time Williams is mentioned he breaks down and disappears again for another six months. Touch wood all that is in the past because he has been burning up the track over the summer at centre half-forward, marking everything and is a perfect fit to assist Crameri and Liam Jones. If he stands up, the Dogs forward half operates more efficiently.

Dion Prestia and Michael Rischitelli have both impressed over summer but David Swallow stands out as the player ready to explode into the pre-season. The former No. 1 draft pick has been elevated into the leadership and after a year adding some muscle to the defence will return to his rightful place as a midfield wrecking ball in 2014.

NEW BLOOD

Jack Martin has been the name on everyone’s lips and with standout performances in match simulation drills it is easy to see why. But the Suns also have high hopes for 2012’s top draft pick Jesse Lonergan, who’s debut year was ruined by injuries, and this year’s first selection Kade Kolodjashnij who is expected to see plenty of senior action across half back.

MEDICAL ROOM

Zac Smith (ACL) is doing a full running load but has yet to be introduced to contact work and will be held back for as close to 12 months from the Rd 8 date of the injury as possible.

Nathan Bock (leg) does blocks of training and is then eased back. Suns say he will pay at some stage during the pre-season.

Rory Thompson (hip) The key defender is in a race to pay Rd 1.

Dion Prestia (calf) should play at least one pre-season game.

THE TWIST

After three years of chopping and changing his key position players, mostly due to a horror injury toll, Guy McKenna has settled on his line-up. Charlie Dixon, Sam Day and Tom Lynch are his key forwards and for the side to take the next step they must start taking more marks inside 50m.

TOM Scully is yet again dominating the summer months with his phenomenal running power. But the kid all the Giants are raving about is No. 2 draft pick Josh Kelly. The Brighton Grammar midfielder who the Demons gave away rights to is in the fast lane for early games given his professional approach and swift adaptation to AFL lifestyle. And his tremendous kicking on both sides.

NEW BLOOD

IT’S not fresh blood, but plenty of seasoned blood after an off-season spent scouring AFL clubs’ bins (and unsuccessfully Matthew Scarlett’s South Barwon). The Giants added four premierships and 571 games of experience when Heath Shaw (Collingwood), Josh Hunt (Geelong), Shane Mumford, Jed Lamb (Sydney) and Dylan Addison (Dogs) signed on. Shaw and Hunt are flying and have GWS excited about the on-field mental edge the seasoned stars will provide.

MEDICAL ROOM

Tim Mohr (foot): The full-back fractured a metatarsal bone in his right foot in December. Won’t be fit until about Round 5.

Sam Schulz (shoulder): The rookie had his shoulder reconstructed pre-Christmas and will return in May.

Cam McCarthy (foot): The WA forward and surprise No. 14 pick is nearly back to full fitness.

THE TWIST

LEON Cameron’s side will be far more aggressive and creative than the self-preservation style originated by Kevin Sheedy and Mark Williams. And, yes, Tom Boyd, Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton can share the forward 50. There will even be room for 193cm swingman Adam Tomlinson at times with Leon prepared to load up his attack with the prized goalkickers. GWS has only scored more than 100 points four times but is desperate for a spike this season.

SUPERCOACH WATCH

Heath Shaw ($522,600, defender)

Josh Kelly ($212,300, midfielder)

Shane Mumford ($496,000, ruck)

NAB CHALLENGE

Thursday, February 20 v Sydney at StarTrack Oval, Canberra, 7.10pm

Saturday, March 1 v St Kilda at Robertson Oval, Wagga Wagga, 4.40pm

PRACTICE MATCH

Friday, March 7 v Adelaide at Blacktown, 2pm

Tom Scully is again leading the way on the training track for the GWS Giants.Source: Supplied

RICHMOND

FEBRUARY CHAMPION

Dustin Martin brought the spotlight with his ill-advised contract dramas, but it’s been head down and bum up since then. His running times have improved dramatically, giving him the tank to run out games. Hopefully he can emulate the four-quarter efforts of new best mate Dane Swan.

Dylan Grimes (hamstring): The Tigers say he is suffering only soreness and will play NAB Challenge games, but any setback with his recurring hamstring problem has to be bad news.

Jack Riewoldt (quad): Should miss only a week with a minor injury.

Ivan Maric (ankle): Just a one-week injury for Maric, who had groin surgery to fix a problem that had hampered him for two years.

Daniel Jackson (groin): Should play a late practice match after a training setback and is on track for Round 1.

Jake King (toe): Has again had several bouts of off-season surgery, but is expected back within a fortnight. Ready for Round 1.

Ricky Petterd (calf): The Tigers say Petterd, who started well last year then came back to play in the Carlton final, is 1-2 weeks off.

Matt Arnot (back): The only Tiger not on track to be fit for Round 1. Slated for a return in the early rounds.

THE TWIST

Coach Damien Hardwick continues to push for a multi-pronged forward line, with Riewoldt looking noticeably leaner. Dustin Martin will play half-back at times and Chris Newman will play exclusively as a small forward.

Jack Riewoldt enforces self-imposed media ban
0:43

Richmond Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt has enforced a media ban on himself for the remainder of the AFL season.

Fox Sports

13 Feb 2014

Sport/AFLSport/AFL/Previews & Reviews

FREMANTLE

FEBRUARY CHAMPION

Once banned from training with the club for being overweight, silky forward Michael Walters has enjoyed a second consecutive strong summer on the track and looks in ripping condition. He should now have the tank for some midfield time. Captain Matthew Pavlich hasn’t missed a beat as he eyes becoming the first Docker to reach 300 games. Last year’s best-and-fairest Nat Fyfe has enjoyed an excellent pre-season.

NEW BLOOD

Don’t expect free agency signing Colin Sylvia to be a walk-up start for Round 1. After a less than perfect summer under Ross Lyon, Sylvia could be forced to earn his stripes through the WAFL. Former Bomber Scott Gumbleton will get his chances, but none of the draftees should figure in senior calculations unless there is a dramatic injury toll.

Tendai Mzungu (thigh): Set to miss NAB Challenge opener but on track for Round 1.

THE TWIST

There was little in the way of tall timber to kick to when Pavlich was sidelined for prolonged periods last season. Gumbleton is the insurance policy, but is also in the frame to play alongside Pavlich and support Aaron Sandilands in the ruck. With Clarke, Griffin and Bradley all under injury clouds, Gumbleton could give ruck support in Round 1.

THE Harrys — Cunningham and Marsh — are the pick of the youngsters. Cunningham played two finals last year and is blitzing training as a speedy ball carrier. Josh Kennedy is benefiting from a reduced workload early in the summer, looking leaner. Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Adam Goodes, Rhyce Shaw and Sam Reid are all back in full flight after injury-wrecked seasons.

NEW BLOOD

A BLOKE called Lance Franklin is the only new Swan set to walk into the Round 1 side. And he will join a land of the giants attack that Sydney hopes can rip defences apart. Franklin went goalless in Wednesday’s intra-club hitout but his intensity at training has been superb and the Swans say he has already won their respect. Former Blue Jeremy Laidler adds depth to the backline, but a fit Shaw and Alex Johnson could limit his chances.

MEDICAL ROOM

Alex Johnson (knee): Could play in the practice match against the Lions with an eye to an early-season return.

Kurt Tippett (knee): Hasn’t taken part in intra-clubs yet but no major worries.

THE TWIST

The return of speedster Gary Rohan and the arrival of Franklin could give Sydney the league’s most fearsome attack. But the flow-on effect is big. Tippett will be required to help Mike Pyke in the ruck, small forward Ben McGlynn will be a permanent midfielder, while Reid will swing between ends like brother Ben and Jarrad McVeigh could be used off half-back. Rohan looks electric and his acceleration is a highlight both with the ball and defensively.

Sydney fans get first look at new Swan Lance Franklin
0:54

Swans fans have flocked to get their first competitive glimpse of Lance Franklin in Sydney's intra-club match and they got a bit of a show.

Fox Sports

13 Feb 2014

Sport/AFLSport/AFL/Previews & Reviews

CARLTON

FEBRUARY CHAMPION

Levi Casboult showed glimpses last year without really cementing the second key-forward spot. Going on his summer form, that is about to change. The 23-year-old, who looks as strong as an ox and has worked hard to build his fitness, has been one of the big improvers along with hard-nut midfielder Tom Bell. The two are known workhorses, but just need to add a touch of finesse to take it to the next level.

NEW BLOOD

All the focus will be on Dale Thomas after taking the big bucks to cross over to enemy territory, but a strong-bodied draftee is also impressing. Patrick Cripps, a tough on-baller from rural Western Australia, could provide a helping hand around the stoppages. The club axed Jeremy Laidler but ex-Lions defender Sam Docherty will provide another long-kicking outlet from the half-back line.

SCROLL DOWN FOR COLLINGWOOD, GEELONG REPORTS

MEDICAL ROOM

Chris Judd (achilles): Major setback with the champ not due back before Round 3.

Lachie Henderson (iliotibial band): Minor surgery on left leg but will be fit for Round 1.

Sam Docherty (quad): Had a few issues with his quad, but heading in the right direction now.

THE TWIST

As always, the concern for the Blues is in attack. Jarrad Waite has trouble staying out on the park but has had a great pre-season, Matthew Kreuzer is more productive in the ruck and leading goalkicker Eddie Betts left for Adelaide. Henderson will push forward but Mick Malthouse will need a generous spread of goalkickers from his ballcarriers this year including Thomas, Marc Murphy, Chris Yarran and Troy Menzel. Dylan Buckley will be trialled down back.

Take your pick from Nick Dal Santo, Jack Ziebell and Shaun Atley. All have impressed on the track with Dal Santo’s skills, Ziebell’s attack and Atley’s speed the hallmarks of Kangaroos match simulation training. Brent Harvey needs no introduction, powering through his 20th pre-season not having missed a session.

NEW BLOOD

Boom father-son recruit Luke McDonald has distinguished his first campaign with sizzling foot skills and a competitive edge beyond his years. Former Tiger Robin Nahas is doing his best to squeeze into the forward line, while barring any setbacks, emerging Kangaroos forward Mason Wood could pressure a Robbie Tarrant or Aaron Black should they lose touch early in the season.

MEDICAL ROOM

Andrew Swallow (Achilles): Doing his best to play early in the season but realistically not before Round 3.

North is keen to maintain an attacking brand while being able to limit opposition scoring after close losses last year. Dal Santo is doing a power of work in defence to suggest coach Brad Scott is warming to a change of roles. “If you speak to most clubs, probably the buzz word in footy at the moment is versatility,” Scott told the Herald Sun. “Dal has played there so I know he can play there... he’s a genuine midfielder who can play at both ends.” Dal Santo’s arrival allows Atley to play in the midfield, using his speed to break lines and kick goals.

North Melbourne draftee Luke McDonald is hungry to get his chance at AFL level. Picture: Chris ScottSource: News Limited

They are calling him the coach’s pet but it has all been earned. Dayne Zorko’s work ethic over the summer and the gains he has made are set to be rewarded with more time in the midfield this year.

NEW BLOOD

The Lions have made no secret they intend to play top draftee James Aish whenever he is available. The first thing you notice about the No.7 draft pick from South Australia is that he has poise with the ball. He makes good decisions and executes well, a commodity in short supply at the Gabba in recent years.

MEDICAL ROOM

Jonathan Brown (foot): Has started to run and has declared himself a Round 1 starter but has yet to join competitive work. May not see any NAB Challenge action.

Darcy Gardiner (foot): The draftee spent a lonely summer in rehab from surgery and is not expected to see any early action.

Jackson Paine (shoulder): The ex-Pie has done the running work and has just resumed contact training. Chance for the second NAB Game.

New coach, new game plan. Brisbane’s intra-club matches have shown that Justin Leppitsch wants his side to be predictable and you can already see when they move the ball from defence the Lions follow the same course on every occasion. “The roles are far more specific now than what they used to be. One thing I want from the players is consistency in following the plan,” Leppitsch has said.

SUPERCOACH WATCH

Claye Beams (mid $183,400)

Tom Rockliff (mid $591,500)

Sam Mayes (mid/fwd $379,100)

NAB CHALLENGE

Tonight v Hawthorn, Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm

Sunday, February 23 v Gold Coast, Townsville, 4.40pm

PRACTICE MATCH

Saturday, March 8 v Sydney, Burpengary (Qld), time tbc

COLLINGWOOD

FEBRUARY CHAMPION

Marley Williams looks destined to build on his breakout 2013 season. Locked in a spot in defence in his second season and track watchers insist his third will see his stocks rise even higher. Likewise, Heritier Lumumba has smashed his best pre-season times and is flying.

NEW BLOOD

Plenty to look for in this category given Collingwood’s off-season list rejuvenation. Former Swans Jesse White and Tony Armstrong performed well in the club’s recent intra-club. White’s goalkicking and versatility were highlights, while Armstrong uses the ball well. Ex-Giant Taylor Adams will make his mark early. Expect to see plenty of NAB Challenge exposure for draftees Nathan Freeman, Tom Langdon and Jonathon Marsh.

The Magpies are leaner and appear fitter, but will it make them better? Collingwood’s decision not to travel overseas this pre-season has seen the players pushed hard on the track. Coach Nathan Buckley: “It has felt like we have been able to get more volume and more consistency in as a result.” Whatever happens, the Magpies will make for fascinating viewing this year.

Mitch Duncan is at an age (22) and games tally (76) where he is set to go from good player to a very good one. His running over the pre-season, along with that of Josh Caddy, suggests a lift in his intensity. Set to take on a more senior midfield role.

NEW BLOOD

Lincoln McCarthy, 20, is a name largely unknown outside of Bordertown and Geelong. That may be set to change after a pre-season of some promise. An achilles injury has stalled Josh Cowan but wait for him to be unleashed in the midfield.

MEDICAL ROOM

Steven Motlop (knee tendinitis): Had treatment in London and not expected to play in early rounds of season proper.

Allen Christensen (hip): Has had surgery but expected to be right for Round 1.

Joel Selwood (foot): Skipper is also expected to be right for Round 1 after a minor operation last month.

Cam Guthrie: After 38 games in two years as an ever improving half-back presence, the 21-year-old with the calm head and precise kicking is midfield bound. Expect to see Billie Smedts across half-back and Mitch Brown, who has had a really good summer, tried both back and forward.

While rave reviews have centred on Dayle Garlett, the performances of draftee Billy Hartung haven’t gone unnoticed since he pushed Isaac Smith in a time trial last year. Hartung shone in the club’s recent intra-club practice match.

The Hawks will be relying heavily on Ben McEvoy who they nabbed from St Kilda to cover the retirement of premiership ruckman Max Bailey. Garlett and Hartung has been impressive, along with Alex Woodward, who has been with the club for two years but hasn’t played because of knee injuries.

MEDICAL ROOM

Shaun Burgoyne (ankle): Had surgery a week after Grand Final and named for Thursday night.

Josh Gibson (wrist): Also had surgery and could play in Hawks’ second Challenge game.

THE TWIST

Matthew Suckling, Ryan Schoenmakers, Brendan Whitecross and Woodward will return from serious knee injuries at various stages. Expect the Hawks to be different and it’s just not the absence of Lance Franklin. Coach Alastair Clarkson: “You have to keep changing, changing your processes, but also your playing group changes so often as well.”

Four goals in last Friday’s intraclub hit-out was a reflection of Jimmy Toumpas’ sizzling summer. The young midfielder-forward has picked up the AFL tempo and thrived with a second pre-season campaign behind him. Jack Trengove has shrugged off foot problems as well as captaincy responsibilities and summer form is encouraging.

NEW BLOOD

Experienced pair Daniel Cross and Bernie Vince will bolster midfield stocks but Demon fans might have to follow their VFL affiliate to marvel at the skills of 18-year-old draft picks Christian Salem and Jay Kennedy-Harris. Salem is a midfield left-footer with quick hands while Kennedy-Harris is in the Aaron Davey mould.

MEDICAL ROOM

Mitch Clark (foot): Slow-walking laps before training last Friday with no date for likely return.

Aidan Riley (leg): On the long-term injury list with no replacement yet.

THE TWIST

A couple of match simulation quarters instantly revealed a game-plan based on possession and eliminating costly turnovers. Kicking a winning total without a still idle Clark and underdone Chris Dawes and Jesse Hogan might be an issue early. “Forward of centre is where we’re going to really struggle, because we’re not going to have too many talls down there,’’ Roos said of Friday night’s opening NAB Challenge assignment.

Joe Daniher will play early and play often. The Dons know the second-year forward has only kicked three career goals, but plan to play him 15-plus times as a centrepiece of their rejigged forward line.

NEW BLOOD

Midfielder Zach Merrett, the brother of Essendon half-forward Jackson and the club’s No. 26 pick, has impressed in the summer’s toil and could get early games. Paul Chapman is at the other end of the age spectrum but looks lean and battle-hardened.

MEDICAL ROOM

Tom Bellchambers (ankle): Not expected to be back before Round 4.

Courtenay Dempsey (hamstring): Pushing to be fit for Round 1

Brendon Goddard (calf): Expect him to play against Port Adelaide in second NAB Challenge match.

THE TWIST

Coach Mark Thompson joked that Paul Chapman was their entire forward line last week, but most of the goalpower is gone. Michael Hurley is playing back, Daniher is a baby, new forward Jake Carlisle has 13 goals in 49 AFL games, and Stewart Crameri is now a Bulldog. How they rejig their attacking setup will define their season.

SUPERCOACH WATCH

Paul Chapman ($464,400 mid/fwd)

Michael Hurley ($375,500 fwd)

Kurt Aylett ($123,900 def)

NAB CHALLENGE

Monday, February 17 v Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium 6.10pm (AEST)

Tuesday, February 25 v Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium 7.10pm (AEDT)

PRACTICE MATCH

Friday, March 7 v Richmond at Punt Road Oval 1pm (AEDT)

ST KILDA

FEBRUARY CHAMPION

Jarryn Geary is coming off his best season and has run his backside off over summer, winning several time trials and setting the standard during in Colorado pre-Christmas. Highly rated within the club and one of six men in the leadership group.

NEW BLOOD

Former Giants defender Josh Bruce and ex-Hawk Shane Savage would appear to be the recruits best placed to force their way into the starting 18 although Billy Longer (BL), Luke Delaney (NM) and Maverick Weller (GC) will all get opportunities. Jack Billings and Luke Dunstan are the most advanced of the draftees.

Sam Gilbert (left foot): Had surgery to repair a stress fracture and not expected to return to training until March.

Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes: Not injured but likely to miss the first match of the NAB Challenge to ease their way into the season.

THE TWIST

The Saints have worked hard under new coach Alan Richardson to be a harder-running team who get numbers to the ball. A significant focus will be on improving the delivery to the forwards, who will then be expected to work hard to retain the ball in their area. “If there’s a stat we really want to improve in, it’s turning the ball over either in the front half or forward of centre,’’ Richardson said last week.

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